Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Bagpuss & Co. Say Goodbye

Bagpuss and Oliver Postgate editing

As I was driving home from work today, I was listening to the radio when I was saddened by *this story*.

As a small child I grew up with Oliver Postgate's creations. He and his friend, Peter Firmin co-created loveable and strange charaters in familiar and yet strange worlds where they would act out heartwarming tales for (or so it seemed as I watched entranced in front of the television) my pleasure. Characters like Bagpuss, The Clangers, Ivor the Engine and Noggin the Nog among others. Even as adults these characters have stayed with the generation(s) that grew up with them; who have held these characters close to their hearts as childhood friends. I know several friends who have their own 'Bagpuss', a character that always especially appealed to me, having developed a love of cats (and indeed all animals) at an early age through my dear long departed grandmother.

A few years ago I read Oliver's autobiography. It was a touching, humourous, interesting and sometimes sad read but most of all it conveyed the life of someone who loved his family and making programs for children and enjoyed what he did. His characters are his legacy.

I have posted a video of The Clangers below for (hopefully) your enjoyment. The fact that I grew up loving these characters perhaps explains much about me :)

8 comments:

kenju said...

Bob-kat, that was fun. I didn't think I'd watch the whole thing - but I did.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Very sad. I've got a talking Bagpuss here, I was given him for Christmas a few years ago... he yawns when you squeeze him!

P.S. You're tagged, if you want to be!

rashbre said...

yay - Clangers rule.

Niall young said...

It was such sad news..his productions were a part of my chilhood..his wonderful voice. My favourites were Noggin the Nog...The Poggles and the Clangers!!!

utenzi said...

I'd never heard of it before, but I find myself liking the name Bagpuss. Interesting.

Anonymous said...

BK thanks for the look into your childhood!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the link.

Of course, like all Americans, stuff we haven't heard of before, doesn't exist.

:)

Cheers, dear.

MaR said...

That was very cute, never heard of them before!!